Are you searching for an outdoor adventure that will delight the whole family? As you already know, Australia is a great destination for luxury travel. The same can be said about Barcelona. This vibrant city offers plenty of activities, from museums to beaches – there’s something here for everyone!
One of the greatest things about Barcelona is that you can stay in any area and still take advantage of all that the city has to offer. If you’re traveling with teenagers, there are plenty of great options for day trips out of Barcelona as well!
1. Tibidabo
Tibidabo is one of Barcelona’s iconic mountain ranges, home to some of the city’s best outdoor activities and adventures. The mountain boasts an amusement park, Sagrat Cor church and stunning views over Barcelona.
Tibidabo Amusement Park boasts over 30 rides and attractions suitable for all ages, as well as restaurants with stunning views, indoor dining areas, and picnic areas.
One of the oldest amusement parks in Spain and beyond, It features thrilling rides from a century ago as well as some modern day attractions. Visitors will get to experience both worlds – an old-style amusement park designed a century ago, plus one with state-of-the-art attractions from today.
For an exhilarating thrill, El Avio or La Talaia roller coasters are both great options. Both rides provide breathtaking views over Barcelona and parts of Montserrat.
At the amusement park, you can enjoy a range of exciting family activities like mini-golf and laser tag. Situated atop a 512-metre high mountain, with spectacular views over Barcelona and its neighboring mountains – including Montserrat – the park provides visitors with breathtaking panoramas.
For nature enthusiasts, you must explore the 8,000-hectare Collserola Natural Park that surrounds Tibidabo. Here, there are hiking trails and bike paths to take in its breathtaking natural splendor.
Tibidabo is home to the majestic Templo Expiatorio del Sagrat Cor, or Holy Heart Church, built in the 19th century. Designed by Enric Sagnier of Spain and completed by his son Josep Maria Sagnier i Vidal, this magnificent structure stands as a testament to their craftsmanship.
The Templo Expiatorio is an impressive temple situated atop Mount Tibidabo. It takes its name from the Sacred Heart, which in Spanish translates to “Heart of Christ.”
Tibidabo can be reached in several ways, but I recommend taking a tram to Plaza Doctor Andreu and then riding the historic funicular up the mountain. Although this route may not be the cheapest option, it offers you a more authentic experience.
2. Montjuc
Barcelona offers plenty of sights and activities, but for a truly special vacation, consider venturing outside of the city limits. Visit one of its many beaches or venture to Montserrat – a mystical mountaintop monastery.
For an active outdoor adventure in Barcelona, there are numerous hiking and biking trails around the city. Alternatively, take the cable car up to Montjuic castle for incredible views over Barcelona.
Experience a show at Teatro Grec on Montjuic, built as part of the 1929 International Exposition as an iconic example of Catalan Modernista architecture. Here, you can enjoy outdoor performances all year long.
Other activities to enjoy in the area include visiting some of Montjuic’s stunning parks, such as Jardins de laribal (Laribal Gardens). These 12 acres feature stone steps, statues and fountains inspired by Alhambra palace in Granada.
Castell de Montjuic, situated 173 meters above sea level, commands breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona. Explore this military fortress by strolling through its ramparts and learning about how it once protected the port area.
In addition to its stunning views, Castell de Montjuic also houses Museo Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – an art museum featuring an extensive collection of works by Spanish artists. This attraction proves popular among tourists due to its numerous exhibitions throughout the year.
Visit the Cementiri del Sud-Oest, Montjuic’s cemetery, to admire ornate statues and neo-Gothic mausoleums. This historic site is home to many renowned historical figures, while its views are simply breathtaking.
You must visit the world-renowned Miro museum, which is a must-see for art enthusiasts of the 20th century. Here you’ll find an expansive collection of work by Catalan artist Joan Miro as well as artifacts and documents from the region’s history.
3. Park Ciutadella
Barcelona boasts over half a dozen beaches within reach, providing plenty of options for outdoor activities and adventurers to choose from. La Barceloneta beach is the most popular but there are other fantastic options – like Bogatell Beach – that you can explore as well.
The Parc de la Ciutadella is Barcelona’s largest park and an idyllic spot to take a picnic or enjoy some outdoor fun. Surrounded by lush greenery, it makes for a picturesque spot for picnics or playing table tennis or slack-lining while locals and visitors alike take in the atmosphere.
At the centre of the park is a lake that offers row boats for hire and plenty of room to lounge around. This makes it an ideal spot for families to take part in various water-based activities like swimming or paddle boarding.
Another section of the park boasts numerous buildings, gardens and statues from 1877. These include a replica of Josep Limona’s ‘El desconsol’ (Distress) sculpture – one of the most renowned artworks in the park.
For botanists, this section of the park offers an abundance of trees and plants. Here, you’ll find species such as nettle trees, lindens, Corsican pines and Canary palms in all stages of development.
You should also visit the park’s two greenhouses – Ombracle is shadowy and shady, while Hivernacle is warm and sunny. Both make for a lovely spot to escape from the heat or simply sit back and appreciate nature around you.
Finally, the western wing of the park features the Catalan Parliament building and other historic structures. You’ll also come across the ‘Plaza d’Armes’ parade ground as well as garden-like structures designed by J.C.N. Forestier – a French civil engineer responsible for its construction – on this section of the park.
Barcelona boasts many small parks, but Parc de la Ciutadella stands as an oasis in the city. Make sure to take some time out of work or play to explore this magnificent location! Easily accessible from most areas of Barcelona, main attractions can be reached within a short walk.
4. La Citadel
Ciutadella Park is one of Barcelona’s largest parks, situated on the former land of a military citadel built by Philip V. It offers an idyllic respite from city life in Barcelona and allows you to escape into nature for some rest and recreation.
At this picnic area, visitors can explore a castle guarded by three dragons, an aquarium, waterfalls, the Catalan Parliament and zoo. Plus it’s only minutes away from the city center!
Explore the park by foot, bike or take a rowboat on the lake. It’s an ideal alternative to the beach for locals and tourists alike – perfect for relaxing after a long walk or enjoying a picnic lunch.
The park was once the site of a military citadel built by Philip V to prevent Catalan people from revolting. Spanning 28.5 hectares with room for up to 8,000 troops, it served as an effective deterrent.
Visitors to this historic park in Barcelona are offered a free guided tour. This provides an insightful look into both the fortress’s past and the 1888 Universal Exhibition that took place there.
Today, visitors to the park can still view remnants of the exhibition, such as Lluis Domenech i Montaner’s Modernista “castle”, now used for restaurant services. There’s also a waterfall and lake within the grounds, plus Josep Fontsere’s Umbraculum plant house.
The Umbraculum has been a haven for tropical plant cultivation since its founding. It’s especially attractive during summer months when temperatures are warm and sunny.
Another wonderful activity to enjoy in the park is blowing soap bubbles! This enjoyable activity guarantees smiles on everyone’s faces as everyone takes part.
The park also features several museums and an outdoor swimming pool to cool off in the summer heat. Furthermore, it’s a popular venue for concerts and events; make sure to check the schedule to see what’s on offer while you’re there!